Lee County Sheriff Jim H. Johnson said a change in Mississippi law that took effect July 1, 2026, has halted routine information sharing between Child Protection Services and local law enforcement and could slow investigations into child abuse and neglect.
Johnson said the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services has stopped providing investigative information and records to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office after a statutory provision authorizing disclosure of Youth Court and CPS records expired. The sheriff’s office said the lapse followed the Legislature’s adjournment without passing replacement legislation during the 2026 regular session.
The sheriff’s office said investigators and CPS caseworkers historically worked together daily to coordinate investigations, assess safety, interview witnesses and exchange findings. In response to the statutory gap, several Youth Courts issued orders intended to permit limited information sharing; CPS filed an emergency petition with the Mississippi Supreme Court seeking to stay those orders.
The Mississippi Supreme Court stayed the disclosure orders on July 1 while it considers the legal questions, and it has directed one Youth Court judge who entered an order to file a response on behalf of the Mississippi Youth Court Council, the sheriff’s office said.
Johnson urged mandatory reporters and any citizen who suspects criminal abuse or neglect to notify local law enforcement immediately while continuing required reports to CPS. He thanked local CPS employees for their service and said investigators will use every lawful tool to protect children. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
